Integrating Academic and Organisational Approaches to Developing the International Manager Article

Finney, M, Von Glinow, MA. (1988). Integrating Academic and Organisational Approaches to Developing the International Manager . Journal of Management Development, 7(2), 16-27. 10.1108/eb051668

cited authors

  • Finney, M; Von Glinow, MA

authors

abstract

  • The concept of a world economy has become an economic and social reality in the last decade. Information processing capabilities, telecommunications, increasing numbers of multinational organisations, the de-industrialisation of the US, and the industrialisation of less developed countries have blurred once-distinct economic and cultural boundaries. These are but a few of the factors that have accelerated economic integration and interdependence across national boundaries, bringing about a transnational economy. This emerging global economic environment has given rise to a new and critical human resource demand: the development of the international manager. Multinational organisations require managers who are sensitive to the unique decision-making and action-implementation demands typical of a globally-interdependent international economy. These international managers must be capable of accessing and integrating information through multiple cultural filters as well as capably developing and enacting multiple strategies for organisational goal achievement. They demand individuals who are able to function within a complex, uncertain transnational environment characterised by continuous change. The development of international managers takes place primarily in organisations and academic institutions. Each of these entities socialises a new member using a distinct set of values, beliefs, and strategies. In this article, we profile and compare these developmental philosophies and associated activites. The profiles will then be contrasted against a set of values, beliefs, and strategies which appear empirically and anecdotally to contribute to the effectiveness of the international manager. Finally, an integrated set of values, beliefs, and strategies will be offered as a guide for the future development of international managers. © 1988, MCB UP Limited

publication date

  • January 1, 1988

published in

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

start page

  • 16

end page

  • 27

volume

  • 7

issue

  • 2